Translation and Meaning of: 婿 - muko

The Japanese word 「婿」 (muko) refers to the concept of "son-in-law" or "husband" in a specific family context. Most of the time, it is used to describe a husband in relation to the wife's family. This word is composed of the kanji 「婿」, which has no subdivisions into other radicals, but is closely linked to the context of families and relationships. It can also express the traditional role that men occupy when they marry, especially when they are seen as sons-in-law entering their wife's family.

The etymology of 「婿」 is not immediately evident through its radical components, but the term carries deep cultural connotations. Historically, the role of the 「婿」 encompassed more than just the status of a husband. In many cases, especially in agrarian societies, the muko could be a man who moved into his wife's home, adopting her surname and contributing to her family. This was particularly valued in families that did not have male heirs to perpetuate the family name.

In the modern context, although the practice of adopting these traditions has diminished, the use of the word 「婿」 remains present, especially in conversations about family structure and traditional events, such as weddings. In events like "yuinou" — a traditional engagement celebration — the son-in-law or 「婿」 plays a crucial role in ceremonial interactions. It is interesting to note how language not only reflects but also perpetuates cultural traditions, keeping the term relevant even with the modernization of customs. Thus, 「婿」 is more than a designation of relationship; it is a window into the complex tapestry of Japanese family traditions.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 女婿 (muko) - Son-in-law, husband of the daughter.
• 花婿 (hanamuko) - Groom, usually used in weddings.
• 新郎 (shinrō) - Groom, used formally in wedding ceremonies.
• 嫁入りする男 (yomeiri suru otoko) - Man who marries (with a woman who will move into the husband's house).
• 嫁ぐ男 (toboru otoko) - Man who marries a woman who will move into his house.
• 婿入りする男 (muko iri suru otoko) - Man who enters the wife’s family.
• 婿殿 (mukodono) - Courteous title for a son-in-law.
• 婿養子 (mukoyōshi) - Adopted son-in-law, who becomes part of the wife's family.
• 婿入り (muko iri) - Entry into the wife's family.
• 婿さん (muko-san) - Respectful term for a son-in-law.
• 婿夫 (muko-otoko) - Husband can refer to the son-in-law in a more familiar way.
• 婿息子 (muko musuko) - Son-in-law, emphasizing the role of son.
• 婿家 (mukoyashiki) - Son-in-law's family.
• 婿取り (muko tori) - Practice of welcoming a son-in-law into the family.
• 婿入りする (muko iri suru) - The act of becoming a son-in-law.
• 娘婿 (musume muko) - Genro, specifically the husband of the daughter.
• 娘婿さん (musume muko-san) - A respectful term for son-in-law, specifically the husband of the daughter.

婿

Romaji: muko
Kana: むこ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Genro

Meaning in English: son-in-law

Definition: Son-in-law: Husband of a woman.

Example Sentences - (婿) muko

See below some example sentences:

私の婿はとても優しいです。

Watashi no muko wa totemo yasashii desu

My son-in-law is very kind.

My son - - -LAW is very kind.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "my"
• 婿 - noun meaning "son-in-law"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the son-in-law"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "gentle, kind"
• です - verb to be in the polite form